Box fabricating mandrel



Dec. 8, 1959 w. c. GEoRGE 2,915,951

Box FABRICATING MANDREL v Filed Nov. 7. 1955 s sheets-sheet 1 /5 FIG.3. .72 FIG." 2f) 2a e 42- za :s

I I I I I I I l 14 I I I I I Dec. 8, 1959 w. c. GEORGE 2,915,951

BOX FABRICATING MANDREL Filed Nov. 7, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 8, 1959 w. c. GEORGE Box FABRICATING MANDREL 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 7. 1955 FIG .7.

United States Patent BOX FABRICATING MANDREL Walter C. George, St. Louis, Mo.

Application November 7, 1955, Serial No. 545,361

'5 Claims. (Cl. 931-259) ICC Fig. 3 is a vertical, sectional view along lines 3-3 of Fig. 2; Y

Fig. 4 is a vertical, sectional view similar to Fig. 3, illustrating the process of inserting the inwardly projecting cover parts into the mandrel device;

Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional view showing the container parts inserted into the mandrel member;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal, sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal, sectional View similar to Fig. 6, illustrating side pressure applying means being applied to the container and mandrel;

ally maintain the container parts 'in position as they are stitched, glued or otherwise secured in place. With the more complex boxes and containers, it is more diicult to manually position and maintain container parts for fabrication. A particular type of container which is in general use for the shipment of bottled beverages and the like, embodies split, half cover members having longitudinal, inwardly disposed flanges or projections located on the inner edges of half cover members. In some embodiments of the multiple trip beverage containers, end cover flanges are also provided. An example of the class of containers referred to is illustrated in the disclosure of Patent No. 2,603,406, issued on July 15, 1952, to Walter C. George. In the various embodiments of the class of containers referred to, various congurations of inwardly disposed cover projections are provided.

It is readily apparent that it is not without some difliculty that the inwardly disposed cover projections and iianges are maintained in proper position as they are glued or sealed together. It is, therefore, an object of Fig. 8 is a vertical, sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a vertical, sectional view illustrating top pressure means being applied to the container and mandrel therein; and f v l, Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional viewof a modified mandrel embodying this invention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated is particularly adapted to provide a mandrel device for erecting a multiple trip beer container A, such as shown in the accompanying drawings. The container A, Fig. 3, is

provided with side walls 11 having integrally connected half bottom aps 12. End walls 13 are provided With end bottom iiaps 14. In the particular embodiment of the container A illustrated, a reclosable means is em-I ployed consisting of half cover iiaps 15 provided with longitudinal cover iianges 16, Fig. 2, along their free marginal edges and with side cover flanges 17 along their end margins. Each longitudinal cover ange 16 is provided with a substantially co-extensive, longitudinal cover this invention to provide a mandrel device adapted to n receive the inwardly projecting cover portions in proper relation as the portions are iixedly secured in position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mandrel adapted to receive inwardly projecting container parts and maintain the container parts in proper position against the outward forces necessary' to secure the container parts in place.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mandrel of the type described which may be easily, manually inserted into a partially erected box blank.

Still another object is to provide a mandrel of the type described having a formed opening therein adapted to receive and maintain inwardly projecting container parts in position as the container parts are secured together to complete the fabrication of the container. f

. These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full and complete understanding of the construction and operation of this device,

. This invention consists in the parts, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

VThe accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and like numerals and symbols therein appearing refer to like parts wherever they occur.

Fig. 1 is-a front view of a mandrel embodying this invention being inserted into a partially erected con-V i ilap 18 foldably connected thereto. Similarly, each side cover flange 17 is provided with an end extension forming a side cover flap 19. The container A, shown in the enclosed drawings, is provided with vertical notches 20 in the upper margins of the end walls of the container.' The purpose of the notches 20 will be explained later in the specification,

A mandrel B embodying a preferred form of the invention is composed essentially of two longitudinal halves 21 connected to a resilient Vbottom plate 22. Each mandrel half 21 is formed of outer side posts 23 and inner side posts 24 rigidly connected along outer bottom members 25 and inner bottom members 26 to the bottom plate 22. The outer side posts 23 and the inner Vside posts 24 are connected to outer top members 27 and inner top members 28 are connected to top transverse pieces 29. Similar bottom transverse pieces 30 complete the rectangular coniiguration of sections of the longitudinal mandrel halves 21, as shown in Fig. 3. In the particular embodiment of the mandrel illustrated, a series of iive rectangular cross-sections are provided to reinforce the mandrel halves 21, however, it is apparent that the number and configuration of the longitudinal mandrel halves may be varied depending upon the strength required. For example, the outer side posts 23 may be replaced by a continuous stiif outer panel if more strength is desired.

The longitudinal mandrel halves 21 are preferably each substantially less than one-half` of the interior width of the container A to thereby provide a void 31 extending centrally and longitudinally of the container. End pressure plates 32, having relatively narrow resilient pads 33, are lixed to the inner top members 28 adjacent the end margins thereof, as shown in Fig. 2. Center pressure plates 34, having relatively wide, resilient pads 35, are positioned centrally of the inner top members 28. The purpose and function of the plates 32 and 34 will become apparent later in the specification. y

A resilient bottom pad 36, Figs. 1 and 3, may be lixedly secured to the underface of the bottom plate @2. The bottom pad 36 may be' formed of sponge rubber, felLor other suitable resilient material.` r A. "In order'to'lock the mandrel' rhalves in position for sealingY the container parts,A an internal locking meansr is provided .The locking means ,of the lembodiment illustratedcomprises bingedly. disposing a lockingd plate '37: aboutie. pin member 38which is, in turn, ,xedly secured between adjacent outer side posts 23, as shownin Fig. .3. Thelockingplate 37l is.provide d' with `an upstanding release pin 39`xedly secured thereto and extending, ,in the secured position. of the4 locking device, substantially above thei'level of'thelongitudinal mandrelhalvesas shown in Figs: -8 and` 102 The 'locking' plate l37 is provided with an upwardly projecting catchor barb' portion 40' having a generally vertical edge' 41 adapted to engage upon a downwardlydisposed locking extension 42 which depends from the inner top member 28 `andfis xedly secured' between adjacent inner side posts 2'42 A `substantially vertically aligned spring member` 43 is connected between a top'pin 4'4, disposed betweenadjacent top transverse posts 3,9` and toV a locking projection 45 fixed tov theY upperV face of' the locking: plate 37. In the particular embodiment of the inventiondescribed, apair ofY locking devices is provided, each positioned adjacent the ends of the man# drel halves. f

, "Operation of the device g In using the device described, the side walls 1v1 and the endxwalls 13 ofthe container A are erected into tubular relation and the end bottom flaps 14 are folded inwardly into horizontal relation. The half bottom aps '12 are folded inwardly and xedly secured to the previously Vpositioned end bottom aps 14. The mandrel is theniinserted into the partially erected container body as shown in Fig. `1, and adhesive 46 is applied to the underfacesofthe longitudinal cover flangesl, the longitudinal cover flapsl 18 and the. side cover aps 19, as shownl in Fig. 2. The side cover flanges 17 are then folded upwardly into substantially right angular relation to adjacentiportions of the half cover aps 15. The side cover aps 19 are then folded inwardly into right angular relation; to their adjacent side cover anges |17. The longitudinal. cover anges 16 are then folded upwardly and inwardly` into substantially right angular relation to the adjacent portions ofthe half coverap 15. In this position; the longitudinal cover flaps 18 are folded-inwardly through an angle of substantially 180 to thereby sand'- wich the side cover flap I9` between the longitudinal cover flange 16 andthe 'longitudinal cover flap 18, as shown in Fig..4. The pre-assembled, depending half cover projections are then inserted into the void 31 intermediatethe longitudinal' mandrel halves 2,1, as shown in Figs.`4\and 5. In this'position, due to the inherent resiliencyofithebottom plate 22, the mandrel halves 21 are `ina generally vertical position and the pressure plates .32"and 34 preferably do not exert any force against the projecting portions ofthe container half cover members inserted therebetween. v

The .containerAand the mandrel B therein arel then ysubjected to. substantial, external, transverse forces vapplied by means of a ram device 47 or other preferred means, .'Iheexternal', transverse pressure Vcauses the side walls. 111 of thercontainer A to'deilectV inwardly,A thus vforcing therriandrelhalves 21 inwardly, as shown-inFigs. .7 and 8. .As the mandrel halves 21 are forced'toward each other, the locking projections 41 will engage the llocking extension 42, Yas shown in Fig. 8, thereby maintaining the mandrel halves 21 and the end pressure plates 32 and the center-pressure plates 34 into tight, fixed relaftion against theinwardly projecting container cover; parts.

In this manner, the inwardly projectingy container cover parts are held. tightlytogether until the adhesive or' other ,securing meanshas had an opportunity to, set'.l In the particular embodiment of the invention, the internal locking means placed one on each end of the mandrel l .4 maintainsinternal pressure against the inwardly projecting mandrel parts independent of external forces. In other words, the container and'mandrel may be moved from position between the ram devices 21 as the adhesive is set.

The internal locking device of the mandrel may be released by applying external, vertically downward pressure against the outer facesof the half cover aps 15, as shown in Fig. 9'. The external forces may begapplied by means of aroller device48 placed along the conveyor along which thecontainer and mandrel. are'transported. Theverticall;7 downward, external force acts to deflect the half cover members 15'inwardly to engagerthe upwardly projecting release pin 39, thereby forcing the locking plate 37 downwardly to disengage the locking extension 42 and the catch portion 40. When, as described in the present embodiment, two locking means are employed, itV is vpreferable to provide two rollers, orother pressure applyingdevices, 48, spaced to simultaneously engage the release Ypinsy -39- to facilitate the easy release of the locking means. s s

WhenY the internal locking Yde vices are disengaged, the mandrel'v halves 2'1, mounted on `the resilient bottom plate 2,2, are free to spring outwardly into substantially vertical relation. The completely glued andY sealedcontainer cover members may then vbe opened permitting the mandrel' to -be removed and re-used in the fabricationof the subjectcontainer. l

The embodiment ofthe invention described is susceptible of manyv and variousmodications which fall-within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the thickness of the resilient pads ,33' and 35 may be varied to accommodate modified forms of containers whichare erected' on the mandrel` device. Itis important that the thickness ofthe resilientpads 33V and 35 be such as to permit proper placement of the pressure plates .32*.and 34 with respect to adjacent portions of the inwardly projecting container cover parts. As will be observed-from an examination of Fig. 5, the end plates 32' arepositioned closely adjacent the exposedv faces ofthe longitudinal `cover iapsl'i` before .the transverse force is appliedV to the containerand' mandrel. n The position of `the locking .extension 42 with respect to the location of the locking projection 45.is.designed so as .to permit the pressure plates to tightly compress the inwardly projecting container partsduring the setting periodgof the adhesive. TheAexactposition ofthe pressure platesV k32 and 34 and the amount oflinwardY deflection of the longitudinal container halves required to engage the locking device depends on'the number of thicknesses or caliper of inward- Yly projecting cover'material and the characteristics of the nmaterial from which the vcontainer blank, is formed.

VFor example, when 'highly compressible 'container .ma-

terial is employed, it isy desirable to provide considerable pressure anddeection of the longitudinal mandrel halves v `21 inwardly through a substantialr distance. It.r has been found, however, v that for solid breboard material,- such asusedfor the Vmultiple trip beverage containers, wellj 'knownin the trade,T an, inward deflection of, approximately oneinchis..satisfactory.` The fundamental criteria .off the-.function of! the` internal locking means ofthe invention .is to maintain .the mandrel halves inwardly so that the space between adjacent` end and .centerrplates v32 and. 3,4 respectively` is slightly.-less .than the .combined thickness.. .of the; inwardly projecting. container parts. in.-

fserted therebetween.. The `resilient pads-1.3 and35. not

onlyjtherebyprovide an. even pressure against allportionsl of the inwardlyprojecting cover parts, but actto ,resiliently maintain, the pressure plates'in position against the containercoverparts vthrough material, inherent variations in caliper which are encountered in commercial Fig. 10 illustrates., aA modied form ofaniandrel ernploying this invention wherein a relatively shallow, modi- ;led void 31a is provided along the upper portions of w like .tainer portions of varying cross sectional shapes. Also,

the position of the pressure plates and the resilient pads which extend into the modified void 31a may be varied to firmly conform and engage modified inwardly projecting container parts.

It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are illustrative and not restrictive, and it is also to be understood that the invention may be susceptible of embodiment in other modified forms, and that all such modifications which are similar or equivalent hereto come equally within the scope of the claims next appearing.

What I claim is:

l. A fabricating mandrel for a box having inwardly projecting, adhesively coated, closure flange parts, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box, the mandrel body portion being formed to provide avoid therein to receive the unsealed closure flanges, momentary external force applying means engaging the box into contacting relation against the mandrel to engage the mandrel `body portion defining said void into rmly contacting and engaging relation against the inwardly projecting box parts, self acting internal means carried by the mandrel for maintaining continuous force against the said inwardly projecting closure flanges to adhesively x the inwardly projecting closure flanges in position.

2. A mandrel for boxes with half cover members having longitudinal cover reinforcing anges extending into the interior of the box, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box and divided into substantially equal parts longitudinally spaced to dene a void to receive the longitudinal cover reinforcing anges, the mandrel body parts being laterally, resiliently mounted so that a momentary, independent external force applied to the box and therethrough to the mandrel, inwardly deflects and engages the mandrel body parts with their margins defining the void firmly compressing and retaining the cover reinforcing anges of the box in contacting relation, a transverse locking means being provided to releasably maintain the mandrel body halves in an inwardly deflected position to firmly engage and contact the cover rein- I 6 forcing flanges, said release action accomplished by independent means exterior to the mandrel enclosing box.

3. The invention set forth and claimed in claim 2 wherein the locking means comprises a horizontal latch vertically, resiliently mounted on one mandrel body half with at least one vertically extending locking projection adapted to engage onto the opposite mandrel half to maintain the mandrel halves securely inwardly.

4. The invention as set forth and claimed in claim 3 wherein a vertically disposed releasing means is secured to the locking latch and extends upwardly above the level of the mandrel half to which the latch is secured.

5. A mandrel for boxes with half cover members having longitudinal cover reinforcing flanges extending into the interior of the box, the mandrel comprising a pair of body portions generally conforming to the interior of a box, said body portions being spaced from one another and having opposed spaced pressure applying surfaces thereon defining a void therebetween adapted to receive the reinforcing flanges of a box, means resiliently connecting said body portions for rocking movement toward and away from one another, a locking means supported by one of said body portions and a latch means for engaging said locking means pivotally supported by the other body portion, means normally urging said latching means toward said loc-king means whereby upon application of an independent external force to a surrounding box, the two body portions are rocked toward one another and the latching means moves into locking relationship with said locking means for maintaining the body portions in such inwardly rocked position, said pressure applying surfaces engaging the flanges of a surrounding box for firmly retaining them in contacting relationship with one another, and a release means connected to said latching means and extending outwardly of said body portions whereby the release means is adapted to be engaged by applying pressure to a surrounding box to release said latch means from locking engagement with said locking means.

References Citedv in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 977,698 Barksdale Dec. 6, 1910 l997,021 Stevenson July 4, 1911 1,312,615 Cooper Aug. 12, 1919 1,727,882 Hubbard Sept. l0, 1929 1,796,764 Perry Mar. 17, 1931 1,947,607 Marogg Feb. 20, 1938 

